The desire to obtain a famous person’s autograph is not something that began with Babe Ruth. Autograph collecting is believed to have started during the Roman empire 2,000 years ago and became popular again in the Renaissance period (1300-1600). For Americans, getting a Founding Father, a former U.S. President or revered political figure to sign something as a keepsake mostly likely came down to class, privilege and connections.

Apart from getting it done in person, the other way to get an autograph has largely remained the same for hundreds of years: a request letter by mail to the secretary, personal assistant, or directly to the subject. Here we have a wonderful example of this process from the mid-19^th century. Abraham Lincoln has provided his autograph “A. Lincoln” in strong black fountain ink to the bottom of a short note written by his secretary and biographer, John Nicolay.

The note is addressed to “Charles E. Bennett, Esq.” and reads, “Dear Sir, Herewith I send you my autograph which you request.” It is dated at the top, “Springfield, Ill. Dec 6^th 1860” – exactly one month after Lincoln was elected as the first Republican President of the United States. Two weeks after this note was signed by newly elected President Lincoln, South Carolina became the first state to secede from the Union, setting the stage for his eventful presidential term and the start of the American Civil War.

The 5-1/8” by 7.75” note on period paper has flattened folds, moderate toning and scattered staining. There is a numbered sticker (“27”) on the upper left corner. Encapsulated by PSA/DNA in a jumbo holder, Lincoln’s autograph has been graded a perfect 10.